O Christmas Tree: Its History and Holiday Traditions

by Jacqueline Farmer, Joanne Friar (Illustrator)

Overview

Explore the roots of the modern Christmas tree with this perfect holiday gift for kids. 

When did people really start putting up Christmas trees—and why? From ancient Egyptian and Roman winter solstice customs to the eleventh-century European miracle plays and sixteenth-century New Year's customs that gave us decorated trees full of candlelight, Jacqueline Farmer walks through the histories and cultures that combined to produce the current-day practice of the Christmas tree. Beautiful illustrations capture the magic and festivity of the holiday season. Includes information about how these special evergreens are grown and harvested. Back matter includes fun facts and a list of further reading.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781580892391
Publisher:	Charlesbridge
Publication date:	07/01/2010
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.30(w) x 10.80(h) x 0.20(d)
Lexile:	AD980L (what's this?)
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

About the Author

Jaqueline Farmer is the author of APPLES, PUMPKINS, VALENTINE BE MINE, among other books for young readers. She lives in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Editorial Reviews

Gr 2–5—Beginning with the ancient Egyptians and Romans, who decorated with palm and evergreen branches at the winter solstice, readers learn about the customs and traditions through the centuries that led to the modern Christmas tree and various decorations, including popcorn, blown-glass ornaments, and electric lights, as well as trees made of feathers, plastic, and aluminum. The last section is devoted to the planting, care, and harvesting of trees. Friar's gouache illustrations have plenty of detail, but are a little awkward in scale. In all, an interesting look at a very specific part of the Christmas celebration.—Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

School Library Journal

This carefully researched and attractively illustrated historical view of a familiar Christmas tradition conveys a large amount of information within the oversized picture-book format. The historical background explains the evolution of the custom from evergreen branches in Egypt and Rome to early Christmas trees in Germany. The rise in popularity of the trees in the United States includes Christmas trees at the White House and the changing styles of trees. Growing methods, the most popular kinds of trees and the difficulties faced by tree farmers are also described. The final pages include Christmas-tree trivia and a short resource list. Friar's gouache paintings provide additional details, succeeding in both the appealing historical scenes and in the more scientifically oriented spreads about tree farming. Bids fair to be a real workhorse for library holiday collections. (Informational picture book. 5-9)

Kirkus Reviews